What happens when you finally discover who you are, why you're here, and how you know it to be true?

In this transformative episode of Fathers Making Progress, host Terron Edwards welcomes Kweku Tangelo Cargill Jr. and Abba Sheila Haygood for a powerful conversation about African-Centered Rites of Passage and how reconnecting with culture can transform identity, purpose, fatherhood, and community.

Together they explore the life-changing impact of understanding your roots, embracing your spiritual identity, honoring your ancestors, and raising the next generation with intention. Through deeply personal stories, they discuss overcoming identity struggles, finding purpose, mentoring young people, becoming community fathers, and why rites of passage are just as important for adults as they are for youth.

This episode is an invitation to stop wandering without roots and begin walking in purpose.

"When you know who you are, you stop living for performance and start living with purpose."

Key Moments:

00:23 Why African-Centered Rites of Passage Matter

01:20 Meet Abba Sheila Haygood & Kweku Tangelo Cargill Jr.

03:03 Better Together Co-Parenting Sponsor

03:22 Who Are You Beyond Your Title?

03:56 Sheila's Journey From Identity Crisis to Self-Discovery

06:03 Learning to Love Your Black Identity

06:58 Kweku's Journey Into Fatherhood & Community Leadership

10:54 Education, Homeschooling & Raising Children with Purpose

12:09 How Rites of Passage Changed Terron's Life

13:54 Ghana, Mentorship & Serving the Community

15:32 What Are African-Centered Rites of Passage?

18:53 Why Male & Female Facilitators Matter

20:00 Teaching Young Men Purpose, Discipline & Self-Respect

22:18 Scholarship Opportunities Through the Battalion Program

23:44 Becoming Rookie Dad of the Year

27:52 Reconnecting With Culture Restores Identity

32:27 Discovering Your Purpose Through Rites of Passage

35:09 Spirituality, Rituals & Honoring Ancestors

39:40 Facts or Cap: What Rites of Passage Really Are

41:25 Helpers vs. Tricksters in Every Stage of Life

43:47 Rites of Passage Are for Everyone

46:19 Facts or Cap: Everyone Has a Purpose

46:43 West Africa & Reconnecting to Your Roots

49:28 Rites of Passage Is Not a Religion

50:39 Rapid Fire Word Association

51:57 Final Reflections on Culture, Identity & Fatherhood

52:56 How to Join the Next Rites of Passage Class

Key Takeaways:

• Knowing who you are is the foundation for living with purpose.
• Rites of Passage help answer three life-changing questions: Who am I? What is my purpose? How do I know it to be true?
• Identity rooted in culture creates confidence, direction, and spiritual grounding.
• Fatherhood begins long before children are born—it starts with becoming the person your family needs.
• Mentorship and community are essential for raising strong leaders.
• Healing your identity allows you to heal future generations.
• Spirituality is about intentional living—not religion.
• Rituals help create discipline, gratitude, and deeper connection with family and ancestors.
• Every stage of life requires growth, guidance, and intentional development.
• Purpose is greater than money, status, or performance.
• Strong families are built by people who know who they are and why they are here.
• Reconnecting with your roots strengthens your future.

If this episode spoke to you, share it with another father, brother, or man who needs to hear this message because no matter where you are in life…You’re still making progress!

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